Networked Media Players - Play External HDD Content on TV

This is a discussion on Networked Media Players - Play External HDD Content on TV within Gadgets, Computers & Software, part of the Shifting gears category; Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay
Pretty much any media player will do that (Except Apple TV which disables USB).
Thanks, NFB. ...

Is there any media player that can take an external HDD, while being connected to the web, and has a HDMI output to the TV ?

I bought a Plasma way back in 2010 and the only feature it had then was SD Card Slot (not even USB) that would not play usual Videos in regular formats anyway.

Couple of years back I picked up the XBOX 360 that helped me watch videos on Youtube but that was limited activity as that would again not play Video in all formats.

Then I bought "WD Live" and been using that since the last 3 years at least. It plays all the formats of Videos from an external device, has interface for Youtube, NETFLIX and much more, has HDMI and Optical out too.

Not to forget that its got this basic feature called "Wifi" that I wanted to convert my Plasma to Smart TV.

This device will work independently and wont need a Laptop or a smartphone for controlling it. Just the remote that it comes with is good enough for all your tasks.

I think its better to go for a device that has an widely used OS like Android or IOS. It would make streaming apps easily available?
With apps in vogue and not html based services, it again depends on the device/platform that you choose.

I have a 4 year old Samsung 40 inch Lcd but it didn't have a USB port. So, to increase the functionality I got the iRevo Smart TV box.
Initial impressions are excellent. Hooked up the air mouse and it worked like a charm. Currently I have a 1TB hdd plugged in which is working normally. It has Play store access and apps such Mx player, Rocket player, Fruit ninja work without any fault.